Bengaluru, March 27: Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also serves as the Minister for Bengaluru Development, announced on Friday that arrangements have been made to provide two tickets each to legislators for the opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the M. Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium. This decision follows discussions with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Speaking to the media at the Congress office in Bengaluru, Shivakumar stated that he personally spoke with officials and requested additional tickets. “I have asked for two tickets per legislator. I have spoken with RCB and KSCA, and they have agreed to this request. Given the limited time this season, we can consider more arrangements in the future,” he said.
Shivakumar noted that Speaker Jammu-Kashmir Khader had requested four tickets for each legislator. However, he clarified that this would not be feasible as most tickets have already been sold out. “Previously, each legislator, MP, and minister received one ticket. Now, we have requested two tickets for everyone. For the first match tomorrow, they will receive two tickets,” he added, mentioning that he would discuss the matter further with the Speaker.
Meanwhile, with IPL matches set to commence on Saturday (March 28), the state’s Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh held a comprehensive review meeting with relevant officials and KSCA representatives to assess security and logistics preparations. The meeting focused on ensuring the safety of cricket fans by reviewing security arrangements inside and around the stadium.
Special attention was given to traffic management measures, parking facilities, and essential amenities such as drinking water within the stadium complex. Officials updated her on potential crowding in the metro, train schedules, and additional security measures implemented at metro stations. Rajneesh instructed officials to remain vigilant and ensure that even minor incidents do not occur.
She emphasized strict adherence to all conditions and security regulations set by the government for the smooth operation of the matches. Rajneesh also directed all departments and agencies to stay on high alert and maintain regular communication with senior officials.
The meeting included members of the KSCA management, representatives from RCB, the city police commissioner, the GBA commissioner, the managing director of the metro, and other senior officials.
Additionally, KSCA President and former Indian fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad met with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at his office to discuss the matter further.
On Thursday, the issue of providing tickets to Karnataka legislators for IPL matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was raised in the assembly. During this discussion, Speaker Jammu-Kashmir Khader urged the government to engage with the relevant officials on the matter.
Khader pointed out that legislators are currently only being issued a basic ticket. This is reportedly due to concerns that legislators often pass their tickets to others, leading to overcrowding in the VIP gallery and management issues. He highlighted that this arrangement has caused inconvenience and embarrassment for the legislators.
“When a legislator goes to watch a match, the staff may not recognize them and fail to treat them with the proper respect. As a result, many legislators hesitate to attend matches,” he said. The Speaker suggested that officials be summoned for discussions to establish a clear policy.
He recommended that each legislator be provided with at least four tickets and that appropriate arrangements be made to ensure respectful treatment. Legislators welcomed his suggestions and applauded in support.
Opposition leader R. Ashok alleged that officials would not easily comply and suggested that the government should exercise its regulatory powers. He questioned the decision to issue CL-7 liquor licenses during matches at the Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium and the operation of bars within the stadium complex.
He stated, “If officials are held accountable, they will fall in line.” In response, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar assured that he would look into the matter.
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